To shoot or not to shoot

3

390

New member
Rating - 100%
10   0   0
Hey all, just got this SMLE. Went to start cleaning this up last night and found this under the handguards and below the woodline.047.jpg049.jpg055.jpg056.jpg058.jpgCleaned up the active rust as best as possible with a brass brush and oil. Some pretty nasty pitting in a couple spots on the barrel and receiver. The worst seems to be 3, maybe 4 spots on the barrel where it looks to be approximately 1/16'' deep. I've personally never had a surplus rifle with pitting this bad on the barrel. The bore is in good shape, clean and shiny. So my question is, will this affect the integrity of the barrel in those areas to the point where it shouldn't be shot? Will probably end up taking it in somewhere to get checked regardless, but just looking for some opinions on the severity of the corrosion.
 

Attachments

  • 047.jpg
    047.jpg
    70.6 KB · Views: 532
  • 049.jpg
    049.jpg
    91.2 KB · Views: 528
  • 055.jpg
    055.jpg
    82 KB · Views: 528
  • 056.jpg
    056.jpg
    83.2 KB · Views: 528
  • 058.jpg
    058.jpg
    75 KB · Views: 529
I wouldn't shoot it.
That pitting may act as a stress concentrator in a weakened part of the barrel. That's where failure usually occurs.
 
I would shoot it with lead only and even those would be on mild side.Lee TL-314-90-SWC is a good pill for those.Lots of fun for kids.
 
Ya...pretty much my first thought as well. Looks like this might end up as a wall hanger or parts. :mad:Oh well... done pretty well with buying surplus online up to this point.
 
Id shoot it still. Although i shoot lead for the most part. But id shoot jacketed bullets though that too. As long as the bolt doesnt have pitting like that. Pm me if you wish to get rid of your wall hanger? I had a really dark colored wood bsa commercal rifle that was almost that bad that i have put 100's of rounds down the barrel id pay you a fair price for it, if you wish to rid your self of it.
 
Just ask yourself is it worth shooting if something went wrong. At the least like you said get it checked out first.
Cheers
 
I would not shoot that under any circumstances.

Part the rifle out to recoup some of your outlay. The wood alone is worth $, assuming it's in better shape than the barrel.
 
Damn, I could imagine the disappointment.

I know some people will say not to take apart a milsurp but this is a good reason to.

I would track down a good sporter and transfer the wood over. Keep the original rifle in case you ever want a matching display rifle.

Did you grab this from a dealer or an ee deal? I'm not trying to out anyone, more or less curious.
 
stevebc said:
I would not shoot that under any circumstances.

Part the rifle out to recoup some of your outlay. The wood alone is worth $, assuming it's in better shape than the barrel.
Click to expand...

The wood isn't in too bad of shape, front handguard is cracked, rear handguard was replaced and the stock has a crack about 4'' long running parallel to the woodline at the forend. Nothing that would make it unuseable. It definitely seems to have had a somewhat rough service life


LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

Damn, I could imagine the disappointment.

I know some people will say not to take apart a milsurp but this is a good reason to.

I would track down a good sporter and transfer the wood over. Keep the original rifle in case you ever want a matching display rifle.

Did you grab this from a dealer or an ee deal? I'm not trying to out anyone, more or less curious
Click to expand...

Ya it was a little disappointing to say the least but like I mentioned earlier, this is the first time I've come across one in this shape that would be cause for serious concern. It had to happen sometime, been lucky with everything I've bought and sold to not have any significant issues with any milsurp I've owned. Too bad too, was looking for a decent interwar Enfield with the cutoff. Chances you take with only limited pics online
 
I seriously doubt that rifle would KABOOM or have any other issues when shooting commercial or milsurp ammo. I've seen a lot worse than that which had soldiered on for decades before being surplussed out of service.

No it isn't pretty and IMHO, it's not a collector piece but that doesn't mean it isn't safe to shoot. If the bore is decent, I would put it back in the stock and use it. If the stock is a beater as well, glass bed it where appropriate. The main pressure spike occurs in the chamber, by the time the pressure curve reaches the pits around the sights it's significantly lowered.

OP, it's your rifle. Do what you will with it.
 
Sorry to hear you got a rusted out rifle. I'd contact the original seller as that's an obvious defect and should not have been sold as a safe shoot able firearm. At worst if you are adamant that you need to shoot it be sure you wear proper Eyewear and maybe lean back the first shot or two. Personally I would not trust it at all. Wall art would be most appropriate.
 
philhut said:
Sorry to hear you got a rusted out rifle. I'd contact the original seller as that's an obvious defect and should not have been sold as a safe shoot able firearm. At worst if you are adamant that you need to shoot it be sure you wear proper Eyewear and maybe lean back the first shot or two. Personally I would not trust it at all. Wall art would be most appropriate.
Click to expand...

Ya it kinda sucks, but #@$! happens with surplus...especially when you're not looking at in person. As far as being an obvious defect, all the damage was covered by the wood and I'm sure this rifle and others wouldn't have gotten more than a quick once over before being put up for sale
 
Thanks for all the responses so far. So....was thinking here today...What's involved in rebarreling this or is it even worth the effort? Never had to to do this so was just wondering out of curiosity sake.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom